Skopje

Skopje is the capital of the Republic of Macedonia, in the center of the Balkan Peninsula. Over time it has experienced Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman rule. Ottoman- and Byzantine-era sights are focused around the city's delightful Čaršija (old Turkish bazaar), bordered by the 15th-century Kameni Most (Stone Bridge) and Tvrdina Kale Fortress – Skopje's guardian since the 5th century.

If you are traveling to Macedonia, you will likely fly into Skopje Alexander the Great Airport, but don’t make the mistake of leaving town right away. Alternative airports are Sofia,Bulgaria and Thessaloniki, Greece, both 240km away (about 3h drive).